SKY Blues hot-shot Leon Best insists that he deserves a call-up to the Republic of Ireland’s senior squad.

Coventry ace Best is a confident character like teammate Clinton Morrison, who over a month ago admitted that his recent omissions from Gianni Trapattoni’s squad had left him baffled.

Best has a long way to go to chalking up the 36 caps that Morrison has received as the ex-Southampton star is yet to make a senior appearance. And given the complicated background that Best had on the international stage during his youth, it’s unlikely to be straightforward for the 22-year-old.

Nottingham-born Best opted for his mother’s country of birth and came through the teen ranks with Ireland.

However he looked set to switch allegiances to England in 2005 when he was named in the Three Lions’ Under-20s squad.

Future

Yet he returned to the Republic set-up to gain two under-21 caps and, despite a late attempt from Nigel Worthington to persuade Best to play for Northern Ireland, that’s where his international future remains.

But Best was snubbed for Ireland B’s friendly victory over Nottingham Forest, unlike teammate Keiren Westwood, and he admits he’s growing frustrating with the silence.

“I am available for Ireland but I’ve had no call-ups and I don’t know why so it’s a matter of me concentrating on Coventry,” said Best. “Hopefully then they will come calling for me.

“I definitely feel that I deserve a call-up.

“I’ve had problems with Ireland and England in the past because they’ve both called me up. I’ve told Ireland that I was with them and now they’ve not called me up.

“I was fit for that Ireland B game and when I was injured Don Givens came to look at Westwood, Clinton Morrison and Jay Tabb. I just want to see them scouting at more games.

“It’s frustrating but I’m still quite young and if they want to involve me in the future then I’m there.”